How Does Huntington's Disease Progress?
The progression of Huntington's Disease (HD) after a person is diagnosed can be divided
into five (flexible) stages, as described by Dr Ira
Shoulson(1):
- Early Stage - the person is diagnosed as having HD
and can function fully both at home and work.
- Early Intermediate Stage - the person remains
employable but at a lower capacity. They are still able to manage
their daily affairs despite some difficulties.
- Late Intermediate Stage - the person can no longer
work and/or manage household responsibilities. They need
considerable help or supervision to handle daily financial
affairs.
- Other daily activities may be slightly difficult
but usually only require minor help.
- Early Advanced Stage - the person is no longer
independent in daily activities but is still able to live at home
supported by their family or professional carers.
- Advanced Stage - the person with HD requires
complete support in daily activities and professional nursing care
is usually needed.
People with HD usually die about 15 to 20 years after their
symptoms first appear. The cause of
death is not the disease itself but complications such as
pneumonia, heart failure or infection developing from the
body's weakened condition.
References
1. Ira Shoulson Clinical Care of the Patient and Family
with Huntington's Disease Cambridge: Huntington
Society of Canada, 1980 p.8
[This page is based on the Association's publication
Huntington's Disease. Originally written by Dennis H.
Phillips, Ph.D. and first published in 1981, it has been frequently
revised and republished since then. The current edition was
published in 2001. (Australian Huntington's Disease Association (NSW) Inc. Huntington's Disease West Ryde, 2001.)]
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